Directv Stream was previously called AT&T TV; it is a live TV streaming service that rivals others like YouTube TV and Hulu Live. Since Alexa and Echo are among the popular home devices, people are searching for ways how to control Directv Stream with Alexa. In this blog post, I will focus on the Directv Stream and the Alexa integration services that it provides.
Can I Control Directv Stream With Alexa?
In short, Alexa can indeed be used to operate particular aspects of your Directv Stream package. Amazon and Directv Stream have integrated basic voice control functionality by using any device with Alexa built-in including Amazon Echo or the Echo Dot.
However, unlike other live TV streaming services, the voice control features are not as advanced as they could be. However, the integration offers some basic hands-free control in a Directv Stream household.
Getting Alexa Connected to Directv Stream
If you have an Alexa voice command and wish to integrate it with your Directv Stream account, you first need to link the two. Here are the steps:
1. Turn on the Alexa app on your smartphone and make sure that you are signed in to the same Amazon account as your Echo device.
2. In your device, navigate through Settings > TV & Video > Link New Service.
3. Choose Directv Stream and provide your login information if necessary.
The Alexa accounts that you have linked should set Alexa to be in harmony with your Directv Stream subscription and people can start using voice commands.
Directv Stream Alexa Commands
Here are some of the Alexa voice commands that you can try with Directv Stream once set up:
• “Alexa, turn on Directv Stream and go to [channel name]” – Makes the streaming box turn to the desired channel by name.
• “Alexa, switch to Directv Stream channel ___” - Switches to a channel by typing the number
• “Alexa, play ____ on Directv Stream” – If available, it plays the program name requested by the user.
• “Alexa, stop Directv Stream” - Stops whatever is currently being broadcasted.
• “Alexa, play Directv Stream” - Plays the last program that was paused
• “Alexa, rewind/fast forward Directv Stream” – this command rewinds or fast forwards the content in the Directv Stream that the user is currently watching.
As you can observe, a number of the voice commands for Directv Stream facilitate the fundamental playback controls. You can tune into channels, select any of the titles that you want and watch them, pause the show, continue watching, rewind, and fast forward.
Unfortunately, Alexa does not currently support additional search and discovery options for Directv Stream programming. It does not allow you to type questions such as “What cinema is available this weekend?” or “Please, let me find comedy TV programs. ””
Consequently, voice integration is relatively restrained. However, just being able to change channels, fast forward, and even adjust playback without having to get the remote can come in handy.
While using the Directv Stream Alexa Skill, the following are the main limitations;
Alexa functionality for Directv Stream is not comprehensive and these are the basics while some other live TV streaming services have more advanced features.
For instance, with YouTube TV, Alexa can be used to open the channel guide, set up recordings, and search for shows in live and on-demand content libraries. Hulu with Live TV also includes other features for search and browsing.
However, at the moment, the Directv Stream Alexa skill can perform channel tuning, media playback controls, and playing titles on-demand only.
It is only hoped that Amazon and Directv Stream will continue to build out the voice integration options in the future to include more over-the-air content search voice commands and additional smart home features. However, the hands-free functions can still offer some of the everyday comfort.
Is Alexa Worth Setting Up with Directv Stream?
Allowing Alexa to control your Directv Stream account is easy and fast. If you are an everyday Echo device user, it will probably be worth the few minutes it takes to connect the service and try out the voice control tuning and playback features.
This way simple requests such as asking Alexa to pause, rewind, go to a channel, or play a program allow for convenience without having to put down what you are watching to get the remote. You may also find other useful voice commands as you go along using the current ones.
However, it is important to note that Alexa is not a substitute for the Directv Stream remote and mobile application. Most of your search and discovery functions will still occur there or in the set-top box guide. Alexa integration is best described as extending those main controls in useful but more confined manners.
Over to You
Alexa provides useful and valuable voice command features that will improve the Directv Stream watching experience. It is not as comprehensive as some of its rivals but the option to switch channels, manage playback, and start on-demand titles using your voice does provide handy voice commands.
If you use the Echo device and Directv Stream, spend some time connecting the two devices for better functionality. To do that, simply go to the Alexa app and link your accounts, then try telling Alexa to watch some TV!
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